News
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week voted to provide discounted broadband services to residents of areas suffering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Discounted broadband services provided through the FCC’s Lifeline program will now be offered to those suffering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Earlier this week, the FCC voted to temporarily waive some eligibility rules for the Lifeline program, which offers qualifying low-income consumers a discount for broadband internet service.
An Oct. 2 release from the FCC’s media relations office explained that residents who receive Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as D-SNAP, will be eligible for Lifeline assistance.
The waiver also allows households to enter the Lifeline program “if they are receiving individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Helene.”
Last week, Helene carved a path of destruction through the American Southeast.
After impacting Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, the storm brought catastrophic flooding to areas of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Over a week after the storm, hundreds remain missing in Buncombe County, North Carolina alone, according to published reports, with rescue efforts still ongoing in some communities within the Appalachian Mountains.
The FCC’s chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, stressed the FCC’s commitment to helping the hurricane’s victims.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with the communities that need to rebuild and the residents who have lost loved ones or are enduring the unbearable wait to hear from family members,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We will continue our work to support recovery efforts, including making phone and broadband service more affordable for families through our Lifeline program.”
The Lifeline program provides qualifying consumers an up to $9.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported broadband internet access service, or an up to $5.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported voice service, according to the FCC.
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